FORMER News of the World editor Andy Coulson is to be arrested this morning over his alleged involvement in the phone hacking scandal, it was claimed last night.

Andy Coulson is to be arrested this morning over his alleged involvement in the phone hacking scanda []

A second former senior journalist on the newspaper is also expected to be arrested in the coming days, with more expected soon.

The Guardian newspaper said Mr Coulson, 43, was asked yesterday to present himself at a central London police station where he will be told that he will be formally questioned.

Mr Coulson – questioned as a witness over hacking last year – resigned as David Cameron’s communications director in February amid speculation about his involvement in the scandal.

An arrest would hugely embarrass Mr Cameron. He has consistently defended his decision to hire Mr Coulson. At Prime Minister’s Questions this week he vowed: “I take full responsibility for everyone I employ.”

Scotland Yard is poised to make more arrests as it was revealed corrupt police were allegedly paid £100,000 by the News of the World. Up to five journalists and senior executives could be picked up by detectives investigating the suspected “criminal racket”.

Mr Coulson resigned as David Cameron’s communications director in February

Meanwhile, jailed Scottish former politician Tommy Sheridan’s lawyer called for News of the World executives to be investigated for perjury during his trial.

Solicitor Aamer Anwar handed a dossier to Strathclyde Police he claimed contained evidence the newspaper had hacked the phones of “scores and scores” of celebrities.

Mr Anwar said a “source” had handed him the dossier nine months ago. He was unable to say who the people were or exactly how many had been affected.

Sheridan was jailed for three years in January after being found guilty of perjury in his 2006 defamation action against the paper. He is due to be allowed home leave in under a fortnight.